Greg Oden Injury Update (Why do we bother?)
The Blazers announced recently that oft-injured former #1 pick Greg Oden would undergo arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in order to remove debris. In September of 2007 he had micro-fracture surgery on that knee.
Quote:
Portland came out with a press statement after the surgery saying that it was "successful."
That is all well and good, but will Oden see the court this season? Good question.
Portland's Acting GM Chad Buchanan stated that Oden might have the same procedure on his left knee saying,
"That's a possibility. There's a chance that he may go undergo a similar procedure on his left knee in the coming days. That is to be determined.
The doctors felt like after looking at the latest MRI in both knees, they wanted to take a closer look at both things.
It's still to be determined on his left knee."
The Blazers signed Oden to a 1-year $8.8 million dollar deal for this season and while they were hopeful he could come back after a couple of months his return does not look good. After suffering a setback in his knee rehab back in December Portland stated than they were "hopeful, but less confident" on his return.
Buchanan went on to say Oden was "taking the next step" in his rehab and "For his timeline, he's still considered out indefinitely."
After Oden's setback in December Oden agreed to re-work his 1-year deal making it so he would earn $1.5 million this season. The setback that Oden had was for ligament in his left knee that was not a weight bearing one. No matter what happens Oden will be an unrestricted free agent after this season ends.
The Blazers have been playing well this season, but that depends where they play. They have been Jekyll and Hyde on the season being one of the best home teams in the league while being one of the worst on the road.
Portland could use Oden in the lineup for his rebounding and defensive presence. The team does not have much beef inside and tend to get bullied around when playing teams that have a legit power forward or center.
The sad thing about Oden is he has not only been productive when on the court, which is rarely, but he is a good guy.
Since being the first pick in 2007 he has played in 82 games averaging 9.4 ppg 7.3 rpg and 1.4 blocks per game.
He has not suited up in a Blazers' uniform since December in 2009.
